Militant groups reject Pax Silica; say Pinoys at a disadvantage

Several groups expressed opposition to the planned Pax Silica Hub in New Clark City, Tarlac as they raised concerns that it would place Filipinos at a disadvantage.

During the State of the Nation Address ng Sambayanan (People’s SONA), former Bayan Muna Representative Teddy Casiño warned the public against the promises being made in connection with the Philippines-United States partnership.

“Ang layunin ng Pax Silica ay hindi paunlarin ang Pilipinas [kung hindi] makontrol ng Estados Unidos ang industriya ng artificial intelligence sa buong mundo,” Casiño said.

(The goal of the Pax Silica is not make the Philippines successful but for the US to control the AI industry across the globe.)

Casiño made the statement amid the fifth SONA of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Pax Silica is a US-led initiative and economic security framework that hopes to create a global supply chain for AI and the semiconductor industry. The Philippines is among 24 country signatories in this agreement.

EXPLAINER: Pax Silica: Why are people worried?

As part of the Pax Silica effort, an AI-focused industrial hub spanning 1,600 hectares is being eyed in New Clark City.

The goal of the project is to process the Philippines’ critical minerals and to make high-tech components for AI and semiconductors.

Three industries are expected to create jobs because of Pax Silica, that will add to the country's income and tax collection, namely: AI processing, chip manufacturing, and mining.

However, for Charlie Wayne Caraga, member of Kabataan Party-list National Capital Region, Filipinos should closely look at developments surrounding Pax Silica.

“Kailangan natin ito bantayan. Kailangan natin to tutulan. Huwag natin ito pahintulutan dahil sa buong history ng Pilipinas, hindi natin mapagkakatiwalaaan ang US,” Caraga told GMA News Online.

(We need to be on the lookout. We need to disagree with it. We should not allow it because in our history, the US cannot be trusted.)

He also warned the AI data hub to be built would pose environmental concerns and cause displacement of communities.

Hailing from Capaz, Tarlac, Caraga said the locals recently conducted a protest in the municipality as the military allegedly continues to be hostile toward them.

“Kung ngayon palang wala pa ang Pax Silica, ganito na umatsa ang militar, paano natin mapagkakatiwalaan ito,” Caraga said.

He also warned that Filipinos could end up being shortchanged by the partnership.

“Ibig sabihin yung lowest sa value chain. Tayo lang ang mag a-assemble pero sa atin nanggaling ang nickel tapos export sa ibang bansa na sila ang bigay ng high value,” Caraga said.

(This means we are at the lowest in the value chain. We will only assemble it but the nickel comes from our country. Then, it will be exported to other countries, who will then apply a higher value.) —RF, GMA News